Increased sanitation regime underway across public transport fleet

• Stations and vehicle fleet receiving more frequent and intense sanitation
• Increased sanitation regime introduced as a precaution against COVID-19
• Passenger information rolled out across PTA fleet, websites and app

The Public Transport Authority (PTA) has been undertaking increased sanitation across its stations and vehicle fleet as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19.

Like other State Government agencies, the PTA started making arrangements several weeks ago in preparation of the virus reaching Western Australia, starting with procurement of cleaning supplies.

While the Transperth and Transwa fleets have always been cleaned regularly, the PTA has now significantly increased sanitation of its buses, trains, ferries, road coaches and stations.

So far there is no evidence of community transmission in WA, and the increased cleaning regime is intended to reduce the risk - as much as practical - against potential exposure.

Transperth trains have transitioned from getting a basic daily clean each night to a full daily sanitation, including having all touch points wiped down with a sanitising agent.

Transperth buses previously had a basic clean undertaken every day with a full clean undertaken weekly. Throughout the last week, Transperth bus operators began increasing frequency of a full sanitation each day, or as additional resources are procured.

The PTA has also acquired 'sanitation foggers', which are currently being deployed in two thirds of the Transperth fleet being sanitised each night. The remaining third are receiving a detailed service clean.

The PTA has been asked to maintain a particular focus on buses which service the airport. Meanwhile, frontline staff such as Transit Officers and drivers have been given access to hand sanitizer.

All train and bus stations are also subject to an enhanced cleaning and sanitising process. The purpose of this process is to focus in sanitising 'touch points' such as handrails, seating, ticket machines and lifts.

The State Government is continuing to monitor patronage levels across the network. While it is too early to have accurate data, anecdotal evidence and preliminary analysis suggests a decline in patronage over the past week as more people start working from home.

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"The PTA has taken a strong approach to increasing sanitation across its fleet and throughout its stations.

"We are continuing to monitor the situation and follow the advice from the Department of Health and National Cabinet. Any future changes to public transport will be part of a nationally-consistent strategy.

"While the increased sanitation regime is intended to reduce the risk of exposure, it's important for passengers to follow the advice from the experts.

"This includes the basics like staying home if you are sick, and washing your hands regularly."

Minister's office - 6552 5500